A devastating coal mine explosion in China has killed at least 82 people, making it one of the deadliest mining disasters the country has seen in over 16 years.
Local officials confirmed the death toll as rescue operations continued at the site of the explosion. The scale of the tragedy places it among the worst mining incidents China has experienced in more than a decade and a half.
Rescue teams remained at the scene as efforts to respond to the disaster pressed on following the blast.